16 Condiments And Seasonings Every Home Cook Probably Needs

Keep these on hand to add huge flavor to your home cooking.

Confession: I am obsessed with condiments. A quick look into my fridge will reveal dozens of sauces, glazes, and spreads that I use all the time when I cook.

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I'm a true believer that good condiments can instantly upgrade any meal.

Here is a handful of my go-to condiments that I always keep on hand to instantly turn basic home-cooked meals into something that tastes totally gourmet.

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1. Soom Foods Pure Ground Sesame Tahini for a creamy, nutty flavor that enhances both sweet and savory recipes.

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Other tahinis separate and need to be stirred together, Soom's version is so creamy and smooth. I add it to grain bowls and roasted vegetables all the time for a creamy, nutty, almost hummus-like flavor. You can always add it to salad dressing and soups to enhance their flavors.

Promising review: "Soom is a light cream-colored tahini, which has a loose consistency, and is one of the smoothest-tasting available. It is best used in recipes where its pure flavor can shine through. There is no bitterness in this product as you often find in supermarket brands. I like to use it mostly in its raw form, i.e., in hummus, baba ganoush, and for tahini sauce, as well as just drizzling straight onto food." — PSD

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.50.

2. Flatiron Pepper Co 'I Can't Feel My Face' Red Pepper Flakes to add some serious heat to whatever you're cooking.

Amazon / Via amazon.com, Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

If there's one thing I put on almost every savory food, it's red pepper flakes. A friend told me that Flatiron Pepper Co's flakes are the best around, and since trying them I have to agree. Add these to simple dishes like avocado toast, scrambled eggs, or pasta with tomato sauce for a serious kick.

Promising review: "I love spicy food and have a high tolerance in terms of spice levels. I was a bit skeptical when I ordered these flakes, but they're actually very spicy and go well with anything. I use it on everything from pizza to mac 'n' cheese and it has not disappointed, but be careful of how much you use. It is very hot!" — Adibee

Get it from Amazon for $24.95.

3. Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise, which will replace any other mayo in your kitchen.

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After trying Kewpie, you'll never go back to any other type of mayonnaise. It's deliciously creamy and indulgent, and it takes anything from tuna salad to lobster rolls to the next level.

Promising review: "Kewpie is perfect for everything from sandwiches to potato salads. I have replaced most other mayos with this because it has a cleaner flavor that doesn't overwhelm your food." — Jessie

Get a pack of 3 from Amazon for $22.87.

4. Brooklyn Delhi Tomato Achaar that can replace tomato sauce, salsa, or ketchup in any recipe.

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Ever since first trying Brooklyn Delhi's tomato achaar, I've been hooked. It's sort of like a spicy, curried ketchup-meets-tomato sauce that you can use on things like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and eggs. In other words, use this wherever you'd usually use ketchup, salsa, or tomato sauce.

Promising review: "A little of this relish turns a mediocre meal into a delicious entree. I have used it for the past few days in a wide variety of dishes. It works every time. It will be a staple in my kitchen." — TechGal

Get it from Amazon for $11.95.

5. Mike's Hot Honey for a sweet and spicy drizzle on just about anything, especially pizza.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

Good luck ever eating pizza without this stuff. I'm officially (and permanently) hooked.

Promising review: "This is now a staple for my kitchen. How I cooked without it before, I'll never know. Makes the best vinaigrette ever, quick pan sauces for pork, unexpected zip in dozens of dishes. Does it come in gallons? I have given it away as a gift several times and everyone gets hooked." — Martha Ronemus

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

6. Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch, an easy way to add depth and flavor to stir fries, veggies, and meats.

Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed / Via buzzfeed.com

I put this crunchy, spicy, Asian-inspired condiment on anything from stir fries to roasted vegetables. I even put it on cauliflower rice or grains in order to dress up an otherwise bland side dish.

Read the full review here. Get it from your local Trader Joe's for $3.99.

7. Za'atar by Z&Z that gives a zesty, Middle Eastern-inspired flair to fish, chicken, and roasted vegetables.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

I see za'atar on restaurant menus and love it, but I never really used it in my own kitchen until I tried this Z&Z blend. Now, I put it on things like roast chicken breast (this recipe is a great one!) vegetables (give this roasted carrots recipe a try), and even as a good-for-you coating on baked fish and chips like in this Bon Appetit recipe.

Promising review: "This za'atar is the best quality I have found. I've also found that the balance of sumac and thyme to be just right. This instantly spices up my boring meal prep food and I put it on my chicken, meats, salads, yogurt, or just in olive oil--basically it makes everything taste so much better. I highly recommend it!" — TC

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

8. Trader Joe's Yuzu Hot Sauce for the perfect mixture of tangy and spicy.

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This Japanese-inspired condiment is citrusy, spicy, and adds a great mix of flavors to lots of dishes, especially seafood like marinated salmon, scallops, and grilled shrimp. You can even use it in cocktails like this yuzu and ginger drink!

Promising review: "I love this stuff. I do not live anywhere near a trader Joes, so I have to order it online. The product is amazing, hot with a hint of citrus. It goes great on just about everything, especially on eggs." — HM

Get it from Amazon for $11.78 or from your local Trader Joe's for $5.

9. The Truffleist Black Truffle Olive Oil, a drizzle of which instantly turns any simple meal into something that feels fancy.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

If there's a single condiment in my kitchen that I use all the time, it's this black truffle olive oil. Yes, it's expensive, but it lasts a while and it instantly turns basic pastas, flatbreads, soups, and even salads into seriously fancy and outrageously delicious meals.

Promising review: "I put this truffle oil on almost everything I eat! The quality of this oil makes it stand out against other similar products. It's actually made with real truffles and not that fake flavor other companies use." — Hugh Honey

Get it from Amazon for $25.

10. Tiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Preserve, which tastes like actual fresh strawberries and turns breakfast into a luxurious occasion.

Amazon

TBH I'll probably never buy a jar of Smuckers again after trying this juicy goodness (sorry, wallet). You can literally taste the fresh strawberries in this jam. It's so good, it turns a simple slice of toast into a gourmet breakfast.

Promising review: This is by far the very best jam I have ever tasted. I’ve paid just a few dollars less for so-called “artisan” or “organic” jam, and nothing has even come close to this product. It has a true strawberry flavor with just a touch of tartness. Not to be missed!" — Karen C. Stroup

Get it from Amazon for $11.18.

11. Bragg's Nutritional Yeast Seasoning, which imparts a cheesy, salty goodness to pastas, soups, and more.

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Nutritional yeast is used often in vegan cooking to replace cheese and dairy. I'm not vegan, but I have been using these nutritional yeast flakes to add flavor and umami to my home cooking. A shake of nutritional yeast just imparts a savory, salty kick to whatever you're making, and it's really delicious.

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product!! It adds pizazz to any savory foods (I enjoy it on top of salads, pasta and pizza), and it’s a great source of iron, selenium and zinc. It’s got a moderate amount of protein, and it tastes a little bit like cheese (great for vegetarians and vegans!). If you’re looking for a unique and wonderful seasoning to add to your daily menu, this would be it!" — Tiffany

Get a pack of 2 from Amazon for $14.69.

12. Tutto Calabria Crushed Calabrian Chili Pepper Paste that makes store-bought pasta sauces taste homemade.

Amazon

Pasta night will never be the same, thanks to these fresh and bright tasting crushed hot peppers. Even if you don't make tomato sauce from scratch, add a spoonful of these to the canned stuff and it will taste homemade.

Promising review: "I have used these peppers on sandwiches, made them into a sauce for pasta, and tossed them into pasta salad. They have a rich red color and lovely spicy flavor, and are different than any other pepper condiment that I have tried." — Ginger Petry

Get it from Amazon for $12.38.

13. Secret Aardvark Habanero Sauce, which will turn taco Tuesday into the best day of the week.

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I've tried lots of hot sauces, and this is one of my all-time favorites. It's spicy without being too overpowering that you lose the flavor of what you're eating. It is a must-try on scrambled eggs and tacos.

Promising review: "I've tried a lot of hot sauces over the years, and I am always looking to try new ones. Finding a sauce with the right blend of heat and flavor is a challenge. Secret Aardvark hits that right combination of heat with a great flavor that just makes you want to pile it on chips or find ways to blend it into your recipes." — David A. Crockett

Get it from Amazon for $8.20.

14. Bushwick Kitchen Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha Hot Sauce, a must-have for any Asian-inspired cooking.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

I'll probably never go back to ordinary Sriracha after trying this gochujang version by Bushwick Kitchen. There's a sweet-meets-spicy flavor that I can't get enough of. If I'm eating stir fry, ramen, or pretty much any sandwich, you bet I'm drizzling this goodness on top.

Promising review: "I just love this Sriracha. It has become my go-to hot sauce for virtually everything. It enhances the flavor of anything that goes with hot sauce and it is absolutely spectacular on eggs." — BaasGaas

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

15. Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, perfect for sprucing up eggs, toast, savory dips, and more.

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This flavor-packed blend contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt flakes, dried garlic, and dried onions and there are so many ways to use it. I usually sprinkle it on soft-boiled eggs, avocado toast, soups, and homemade poke bowls.

Promising review: "This stuff is so good! The nearest Trader Joe's to my house is more than 20 minutes away, and with my work schedule, it's difficult to get out there. I'm so grateful that this product is available through Amazon because it goes great on eggs, chicken, salmon, and vegetables. Those are just things I've tried it on; I'm sure it would be delicious on anything!" — Carrie watson

Get it Amazon for $6.99 or from your local Trader Joe's for $1.99.

16. Nori Komi Furikake Seasoning, for an instant flavor upgrade to bland rice.

Amazon / Via amazon.com

My favorite way to use this Japanese seasoning is to sprinkle a healthy dose on top of riced cauliflower or regular rice at the base of a grain or poke bowl. Rice can be bland on its own, but this seasoning gives it a big flavor kick.

Promising review: "I love this stuff. We put it on rice, or salmon, or sushi, or any Asian dishes. It's really versatile as a seasoning/flavoring. It's so delicious! My pantry cannot be without it!" — Lisha

Get it from Amazon for $5.50.

Looking for more great finds to elevate your home cooking? Check out the basic kitchen products every home cook should own and products under $15 that'll make cooking at home easier.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.